The Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks have postseason aspirations in their respective conferences, but both are dealing with injuries to important offensive players before their Week 8 interconference clash at Lumen Field.
The Browns should be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson because of a rotator cuff bruise, while the Seahawks will hope top wideout DK Metcalf is back for this game after rib and hip injuries.
Browns vs Seahawks Odds
NFL odds used for this Cleveland vs Seattle preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of October 25 at 9 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Seahawks (-185) • Browns (+154)
- Spread: Seahawks -3.5 (-112) • Browns +3.5 (-108)
- Total Points: Over 38 (-110) • Under 38 (-110)
- Implied Score: Seahawks 20.75, Browns 17.25
Browns vs Seahawks Predictions
Score Pick: Seahawks 23, Browns 17
The Browns’ aggressive defensive approach under first-year coordinator Jim Schwartz has proved to be an ideal fit for the team’s personnel thus far.
Cleveland has an impressive 19 sacks through six games and is allowing an NFL-low 243 yards per game despite having surrendered 456 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7.
The Browns managed to pull out a wild 39-38 victory against the Colts with PJ Walker under center for a large part of the game, and he’s expected to draw the start Sunday.
On the other side, both the Seahawks’ offense and defense have seen some changes in performance over its two games following the team’s Week 5 bye.
Seattle scored 98 points across three games after a season-opening loss, but it has managed just 33 over the last two, the most recent of which Metcalf sat out.
The Seahawks managed to get past the Arizona Cardinals by a 20-10 score in Week 7 despite playing without its top target.
However, the defense has kept up and seemingly benefited from Jamal Adams’ long-awaited return, surrendering only 30 points in his three games.
Add it all up and throw in a dash of the inconsistent Walker subbing for Watson, along with another potential Metcalf absence, and we have a likely low-scoring affair.
In such a circumstance, the team with the quarterback/home-field advantage should have the edge, which suggests a close and low-scoring Seattle win.
Browns vs Seahawks Best Bets & Props
Seahawks -3.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Seahawks should eventually get past the visiting Browns thanks to Geno Smith being a more competent game-manager than Walker.
Kenneth Walker III could also help Seattle keep control of the ball for extended periods while facing a Cleveland run defense that’s given up 135.7 rushing yards per contest in the last three games.
Adams has also notably helped shore up the Seahawks’ pass defense – Seattle is allowing an NFL-low 142 passing yards per game in the last three contests.
With the Browns’ Walker also prone to turnovers and the Seahawks boasting 23 sacks through the first six games, there could be some short fields for Seattle.
All things considered, I’m picking a Seahawks cover as my NFL bet of the day.
Over 38.5 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
While this should be a low-scoring matchup overall, there’s enough offensive talent on either side for at least some points to pile up.
Turnovers on PJ Walker’s part are certainly possible, while Cleveland’s aggressive approach could also short-circuit some Seattle drives and give the Browns short fields to work with.
As such, I’m in the camp of the Over hitting – at least narrowly.
Geno Smith Under 221.5 passing yards (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Cleveland has surrendered an NFL-low 149.2 passing yards per game and 53.9% completion rate, along with a tiny 7.5 yards per completion.
The Browns are also generating an AFC-high 37% pressure rate, while the Seahawks are tied with several teams for the second-highest pressure rate allowed (28%).
Since Metcalf may be out, Smith, who’s fallen short of this yardage total on three occasions already, could have one of his quieter days.
Browns vs Seahawks Same-Game Parlay
Browns vs Seahawks SGP (+183)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Seahawks (-190)
- Geno Smith Under 221.5 passing yards (-117)
This parlay may only consist of only two legs, but I have a solid amount of confidence in each. Additionally, the price is generous for what aren’t inordinately risky wagers.
Seattle will prevail in a hard-fought contest, and the logic for backing a lower-yardage output from Smith was already detailed.
One other factor that supports the latter notion is that the Seahawks could lean heavily on the ground attack, not only because of Cleveland’s recent struggles stopping the run, but also because doing so helps keep the pressure off Smith.
